Library

“I’ve always loved children, and I respect them as people,” said Shamekia Chandler, Heights Library associate childrens librarian . “It’s important to treat them right.”

That love and respect inspire Chandler’s work at the library and abroad. Last summer, on leave from the library, she traveled to Ghana to learn about the culture, and to volunteer tutoring sixth graders at a school in the city of Ho, capital of the Volta Region. While there, Chandler noticed that, while the children had textbooks, they had no “fun” books.

MARCH 21, 2011

• Summer teen internship program
• Noble Library reopening
• New web catalog
• State budget bill and libraries
• January public service highlights

The Harvey and Friends Bookshop, located on the second floor of the Lee Road Library, opened for business in February. It is named in honor of longtime Cleveland Heights resident Harvey Pekar, who died last summer.

Pekar was a well-known cartoonist, the author of American Splendor, and the subject of the movie with the same title. He was also a prominent supporter and friend of the Heights Library.

What’s old and new, bigger and brighter and comes in the same-size box it did before?

The Noble Neighborhood Library Branch, that’s what! The brick building originally designed by Walker and Weeks closed for renovation on Oct. 1. Seven months later, on Monday, May 23, at 1 p.m., it will reopen.

Author Paula McLain was scheduled to speak at the Coventry Library on Wednesday, April 20, but that was before her latest book hit store book shelves in February.

National Library Week 2011 is April 10-16.

FEBRUARY 21, 2011

• Donations to the library
• Personnel changes
• Organization and compensation review
• Public service highlights for January:

In March and April the Heights Library will be the place to be if you are a job seeker. A seven-program series designed to help job seekers acquire the skills needed on their journey to employment or a new career will take place at the Lee Road Library. This will be facilitated and led by Cuyahoga Community College’s Career Development and Transition Services.

Ancient Egypt maintains its hold over us even centuries after its demise. The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library Art Study Group focuses on this endlessly fascinating culture with its spring series of programs, held in conjunction with the Ingalls Library of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Study Group participants will learn how the museum built its Egyptian collection, visit the newly re-installed galleries, view items from the Ingalls archives and take part in discussing one of 2010’s most highly praised books. Find out about archaeologist Howard Carter’s Cleveland connection, Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign and more while in the company of other art lovers. 

See what's going on your neighborhood libraries.

Coventry Village Library

1925 Coventry Road, 216-321-3400

Lee Road Library

2345 Lee Road, 216-932-3600

University Heights Public Library

13866 Cedar Road, 216-321-4700

 

Local writers and educators Amy Rosenbluth and Cynthia Larsen have a dream. They want to encourage young authors from the Heights to pursue creative writing excellence. Both have worked with the public schools, homeschoolers and the library in many capacities, but always progressing toward their goal.

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library has named Sheryl Banks to be its marketing and community relations manager effective March 21.

Banks is a native Northeast Ohioan, and has lived in Cleveland Heights since 2004. She graduated from Kent State University in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in English and a solid background in liberal arts. Since then, she has worked steadily in publishing, communications, marketing, website development, and event management, most recently for the national arts organization the Society for Photographic Education.

JANUARY 24, 2011

All board members were present

• Noble Neighborhood Library manager Jo Ann Vicarel retires
• Donations to the library
• Personnel changes
• Organizational study and compensation review
• Friends of the Library
• E-book readers to circulate
• Drop in state funding
• Public service plans for 2011

You know your neighbor as a student, artist, musician, doctor or laborer. You may be familiar with your neighbors’ country of origin and other aspects of their lives, but how well do you understand their religious beliefs and traditions? Beginning on Tuesday, March 1, at 7 p.m., the Lee Road Library is offering an opportunity to enhance and expand your understanding of the Abrahamic traditions, and see the people in your community in a new way.

Coventry Village Library
1925 Coventry Road, 216-321-3400

Lee Road Library
2345 Lee Road, 216-932-3600

University Heights Library
13866 Cedar Road, 216-321-4700

The community pool is closed for the season, and you don’t want to shell out big bucks for Chuck E. Cheese. Where can you take your child for quality fun? The library, of course!

Long past are the days when bringing your children to the library meant a simple story hour. The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library offers a veritable cornucopia of activities for children, and they’re all free.

The way people use libraries and read books is changing, and the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library is striving to stay on the cutting edge of those changes.

Although printed copies of books remain a staple for some many people are switching to electronic devices or e-readers to satisfy their thirst for knowledge and reading. Understanding this fundamental shift in patron use, the Heights Library will begin to circulate several electronic reading devices, beginning Jan. 24.

The University Heights Branch of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library offers weekly programs designed for seniors of all ages. You can catch the Senior Spot every Wednesday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. There is a new program each week guaranteeing that no two visits will be the same. Programs include crafts, education, food tastings, book discussions, and more. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

Some people may cringe when they envision dozens of teens gathering together to "Slam" each other, but on Nov. 18 at the Lee Road Library, the Slamming was all in good-natured fun.

Fear not, there was no danger of anyone getting hurt at the 11th Annual Teen Poetry Slam, which has become a premier event for the Heights Library young-adult crowd. Attracting nearly 100 participants and spectators, the event was a literary sparring match.

If you want to know where to find some of the newest technology in multimedia, look no further than your Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library. The Heights Library was recently selected by Findaway World as one of only seven libraries nationally to test market the company's new Playaway View technology.

Coventry Village Library
1925 Coventry Road, 216-321-3400

NOVEMBER 15, 2010

Board Member Jason Stein was absent.

• Friends of the Library annual meeting, book sale
• Financial climate for libraries
• Staff training
• Teen party
• About 80 teens attended a costume party with other events at the first annual “Library After Dark” at the Lee Road Library.
• New staff at University Heights branch
• Salary adjustments possible
• University Heights Branch Library activity

Don't miss these exciting library programs.

When David Cottle’s job was downsized in March of 2010, he was left in a tough spot. He had a wife and four children to support and the job market was dismal. He had ample experience, but had not conducted a job search in more than 15 years.

Cottle turned to the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library for help.

According to the American Library Association, more than 3,000 people each day receive job-related help from libraries. Locally, Heights Libraries is a great resource for job search books and materials. There are hundreds of options, with titles ranging from Killer Interview to Winning the Job. Staff provide recommendations and point customers in the right direction. 

OCTOBER 18, 2010

• Library Entrepreneurship grant award
• County library branch
• Board Member Kevin Ortner resigns
• Lee Road carpet replacement
• Political ads referring to libraries
• Presentation on writing program

Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library is excited to announce the return of the teen Poetry Slam on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the Lee Road Library. Celebrating its 11th year, the Poetry Slam continues to grow in popularity and is one of the library’s most popular teen programs.

Josh Carlton and Sarah Albers, both of Sign-A-Rama, install new murals at the Lee Road Library. The colorful, child-friendly murals are located on the first floor and depict scenes from Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats.

At the Oct. 25 meeting of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library Board of Trustees, member Kevin Ortner announced his resignation from the board.

“It is with sadness that I must tender my resignation,” said Ortner in a public statement he read during the meeting. “I will soon be relocating outside of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District.”

Noble neighborhood families can look forward to a new library playroom where children can build reading readiness skills. The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library will create the Pre-Literacy and You Room –or P.L.A.Y. Room—at the Noble Neighborhood Library with a $35,652 Entrepreneurship Grant provided through the State Library of Ohio.

• Lee Road Library


• Cedar Center Whole Foods Market


• University Heights Library


• Coventry Village Library

SEPTEMBER 20, 2010

• Clayworks presentation
• Virtual desktop computer environment
• Two retirements in circulation services
• New children’s services librarian
• Interlibrary loan limitations
• Changes at Noble Library
• Opening on library board
• Friends’ activities
• Public services activities

CarDala Carter, James Posch were absent.

During the September board meeting of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, members voted to hold a surplus sale at the Noble Neighborhood Library as part of the renovation process.

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library is excited to announce its third annual photography contest, sponsored by Cedar Center Motophoto.

Submissions for the contest will be accepted from Sept. 1 through Oct. 10. Participants may drop off submissions at any of the Heights Libraries.

A total of three photos may be submitted by each person. Submission may be color or black and white and must be mounted onto white 8 1/2 x 11 sturdy matte board. Photos must be no larger than 8 x 10. A completed entry form must be attached to the back of the matte board.

For complete instructions and submission forms, please see the Heights Library website, www.heightslibrary.org/page/photocontest

You won't want to miss any of these great programs! Please call 216-932-3600 for more information.  

Since 1995, Noble Neighborhood Library has remained substantially unchanged; however, next year, when you walk into the library, be prepared for a completely different look. 

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library has completed, and made available to the public, its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The CAFR includes complete details of the library’s financial activity in 2009, including revenues and expenses and balance sheets for all funds. Copies of the CAFR may be reviewed by request to the library’s fiscal officer at 2345 Lee Road in the administrative offices. CAFR is also available on the library's website, www.heightlibrary.org/page/board.

• Coventry Village Library


• Lee Road Library


• Noble Neighborhood Library


• University Heights Library

JULY 19, 2010

• Architect presentation on Noble Library
• Sunday closings to continue
• Library volunteers
• Summer lunch and reading programs
• Friends of the Library activities
• Public service report

The Giving Grill, located outside the main entrance of the Cedar Center Whole Foods, is doing a benefit for the Friends of the Heights Libraries
 on Wed, Aug. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

You won't want to miss any of these library programs. Please call 216-932-3600 for more information.  

JUNE 21, 2010

• Collections development
• Finances and state funds
• Children's services
• Activity Center computer classroom/ boardroom

• Growing Communities cooking demonstration

Personal chef Robin Blair demonstrates healthy ways to cook using fresh produce grown in the Heights Libraries’ gardens.

• Cooking Up Fun from the garden

This exciting, hands-on presentation brings out your child’s inner chef. Using fresh fruits and vegetables, children in grades K-5 prepare creative and fun recipes. Bring your aprons. Younger children need adult assistance. 

 

It is not unusual to see people gardening at their homes throughout the summer, but how about at your local library?

Cleveland Heights’ Kyra Nickson enjoys a free and nutritious lunch provided at the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Lee Road Library through a partnership with the Cleveland Food Bank. Open to the public, the daily noon event attracts more than 100 children, who also reap the benefits of books and reading materials presented by library staff.

You won't want to miss any of these great programs! Please call 216-932-3600 for more information.  

Take a break this summer in the great outdoors with stories and activities that will make a splash. Stories will not take place in the rain or threatening weather. Sponsored by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and the Heights Libraries.

Every Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Purvis Park July 7 through Aug. 25

Stop in for one, or all, of the library's special summer reading programs:

Morrison Dance's Fit Fun Frolic
Tuesday, July 13, 7 p.m.

Noble Neighborhood Library
Join in an evening of dance fun. This program demonstrates how to encourage gross motor development, brain growth, and the love of physical activity in young children and infants.

MAY 17, 2010

• Technology policy
• Meeting room usage
• Personnel changes
• Primary election day 

Vice President Audrey Cole was absent.

Students up to age 18 can receive a free lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Lee Road Library. The program runs from June 14 through Aug. 27 and is sponsored by the Cleveland Food Bank. Students do not need to apply, simply stop in to receive a free lunch.

Tonya Davis is an employee of the Heights Libraries who enjoys writing and photography in her free time.

You won't want to miss any of these library programs! Please call for more information.  

Coventry Village Library
1925 Coventry Road, 216-321-3400

Lee Road Library
2345 Lee Road, 216-932-3600

Noble Neighborhood Library
2800 Noble Road, 216-291-5665

University Heights Library

13866 Cedar Road, 216-321-4700

It seems that summer can’t arrive fast enough. We all anticipate playing outsides, doing yard work and enjoying the weather. Summer is also a great time to take a book to the beach or curl up on the deck with a good read in hand. Please check out some of these great summer options:

Come to the library and dive into this year’s summer reading program, Make a Splash—Read! The library guarantees that its summer programs will be an ocean of fun for everyone!

Children will receive a prize just for signing up. Families can attend the special performances of a magical musical adventure or take a break from the sun at the Coventry Music & Movies Under the Stars series. School-age children can release their creative energy in a program called Beyond the Book.

If you like gardening and fresh produce, then the library’s the place to be this summer. Thanks to a federal grant, the library's Growing Communities program will create vegetable gardens at each of the branch libraries and, at harvest time, will share the bounty with residents. The library needs volunteer gardeners to help. If you’re interested in helping, call the library or e-mail Heather Howiler at hhowiler@heightslibrary.org.

APRIL 19, 2010

• Complaint about a book
• Building and Repair fund resolution
• Community garden
• Fund for the Future of Heights Libraries
• Friends of the Library planned activities
• Website visits
  

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library prides itself on being responsible with taxpayer dollars. In light of this, the library tries to ensure that overdue materials are returned. Sometimes, a gentle reminder is needed to get those items back to the library.

In July, Heights Libraries will join many Clevnet (Northeast Ohio area) libraries in using a “materials recovery service” to facilitate the return of overdue items. Library staff hopes that this will greatly reduce the number of items that have to be replaced. For popular items, such as bestselling books and DVDs, it will also result in hold requests being filled faster. If items are lost, the library asks that the customer pay the replacement cost in a timely manner.

APRIL 19, 2010

• Complaint about a book
• Building and Repair Fund resolution
• Community garden
• Fund for the Future of Heights Libraries
• Friends of the Library planned activities
• Website visits

You won't want to miss any of these library programs! Please call for more information.  

Coventry Village Library
1925 Coventry Road, 216-321-3400
NIA Coffeehouse, Tuesdays, May 4 & 16, 6 p.m.
Explorastory, Thursdays, May 6-27, 10:30 a.m.
Deaf Gathering, Monday, May 24, 6:30 p.m.
Ukulele Jam, Tuesday, May 25, 7 p.m.

The Heights Libraries and the CH-UH schools have joined together to encourage all residents of the district to read two books: You Remind Me of Me, by Cleveland Heights author Dan Chaon, and The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margaret and H.A. Rey by Louise Borden.

Everyone is invited to two free events that related to the community’s reading of the books. The first event, Thursday, May 6, will be a scrap-booking workshop. The second event, Tuesday, May 11, will be a a visit from author Dan Chaon. Both events begin at 7 p.m., at the Lee Road Library.

Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library Board meeting highlights

MARCH 15, 2010

·     2010 appropriations budget approved

·     Noble Library renovation

·     Deborah Rossman leaving to head Port Clinton Library

·     Friends of the Library activities

·     Criticism of Lee Road Library addressed

MARCH 15, 2010

2010 appropriations budget approved

Revenue from the Public Library Fund (PLF) is projected to decrease approximately $200,000 from the 2009 total (which in turn was reduced from the 2008 PLF). Staff salaries remain steady at the 2008 level. The library materials budget will decrease 10 percent from 2009, but children’s programs and technology training will receive attention to make up for staff cuts in 2009. The board approved a 1.5 percent salary adjustment to partially replace the retraction of the 2.5 percent adjustment approved in 2009.